10 Best Home Remedies for a Sinus Infection (2024)

Sinus infections, also known as sinusitis, usually resolve on their own within a week with at-home treatments.

Though your first instinct may be to reach for the medicine cabinet, certain home remedies for sinus infection may work just as well—either on their own or in complement with over-the-counter (OTC) medications. These include nasal lavage, steam inhalation, essential oils, and simple rest.

10 Best Home Remedies for a Sinus Infection (1)

Rest

As with all infections, sinusitis benefits from rest and getting plenty of sleep. Doing so helps support the immune system, conserving energy so that resources can be redirected to fight the infection.

Lying down also helps ease sinus pain caused by inflammation of mucous membranes. When these tissues are inflamed, they produce excess fluids that increase sinus pressure. Lying back allows these fluids to drain down the back of your throat, easing pressure and pain.

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Nasal Lavage

Rinsing your nasal passages, also known as nasal lavage, can help a sinus infection by loosening mucus so it can be discharged (either down the back of your throat or by blowing your nose).

You can rinse your sinuses with the following tool easily found at drugstores:

  • A neti pot (a teapot-looking device with a nasal spout)
  • Bulb syringe (a squeezable rubber ball with a spout)
  • A battery-operated pulsed water device, like NeilMed or Navage

Nasal lavage can be done with distilled bottled water or tap water that has boiled for three to five minutes and then cooled. (Do not use plain tap water because it contains organisms and is not sterile.)

You can also make a saline solution by dissolving 3 teaspoons of iodide-free salt and 1 teaspoon of baking soda in one cup (8 ounces) of lukewarm distilled or boiled water. You can reduce the dry ingredients if the solution causes burning or stinging.

Fluids and Hydration

As with any infection, staying hydrated is crucial for your recovery. Among other things, dehydration causes blood to thicken, reducing the volume of defensive white blood cells that can reach and neutralize the infection.

Drinking water and other fluids (such as juice, broth, and herbal tea) can also help thin mucus clogging your sinus passages. Many experts recommend drinking eight 8-ounce glasses of water daily and possibly more if you are ill.

Avoid caffeine and alcohol which have diuretic effects. These promote urination and can increase the risk of dehydration.

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Steam Inhalation

Steam inhalation helps sinus infections by loosening mucus so that it can be more easily expelled.

You can do this with a steam inhaler purchased at a drugstore or with the following at-home method:

  1. Boil water in a kettle, pot, or microwave.
  2. Transfer water to a bowl.
  3. Place the bowl on a steady surface where it won't spill.
  4. Sit or stand with a towel draped over your head about a foot from the bowl.
  5. Inhale the steam for 10 to 15 minutes.

Children can be treated by running a hot shower and sitting with them in the steamy bathroom.

Warm Compress

A warm compress is a form of heat therapy that can help a sinus infection in several ways. Firstly, the heat increases blood circulation in the sinuses, promoting healing. It also eases congestion which contributes to sinus pain and pressure.

The easiest method is to soak a washcloth in warm water and place it over your eyes, nose, and forehead for 10 to 15 minutes (or until the cloth cools), This is best done lying down, allowing the loosened mucus to drain into the back of your throat.

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Humidifiers and Vaporizers

Humidifiers work by adding cool moisture to the air. Not only does this help loosen mucus but also eases pain and pressure while sleeping by keeping the nasal passage hydrated. Cool-mist moisturizers are available in most drugstores and big box stores.

Vaporizers work similarly to humidifiers but use steam rather than a cool mist. These may be less suitable for small children who can get too close and burn themselves.

Choosing the Best Humidifier

Essential Oils

Certain essential oils can be very beneficial for people with sinuses and congestion. When used as aromatherapy, some have proven just as effective in opening sinus passages as OTC decongestants.

These include:

  • Peppermint oil
  • Eucalyptus oil
  • Tea tree oil
  • Oregano oil
  • Clary sage oil
  • Lavender oil
  • Rosemary oil

You can inhale these oils safely either by using a commercial diffuser, by adding several drops to a warm bath, or by adding it to steam inhalation therapy. If you decide to inhale the oils directly, place a few drops on a tissue and inhale with the tissue near your skin (but not on it).

Antioxidants

Eating a healthy diet benefits any illness, and a diet rich in antioxidants may be especially beneficial for infections like sinusitis. Antioxidants are substances found in certain foods that combat free radicals that can undermine your immune health.

Some fruits and vegetables high in antioxidants include:

  • Avocado
  • Bell pepper
  • Broccoli
  • Cantaloupe
  • Carrots
  • Cauliflower
  • Leafy greens
  • Oranges
  • Strawberries
  • Tomatoes
  • Watermelon
  • Winter squash

Antioxidant supplements are also available in tablet, capsule, or soft gel formulations. Many include antioxidants like vitamin C, beta-carotene, and vitamin E. It is unclear if any of these antioxidants in supplement form offer benefits beyond that of a balanced diet.

Antibacterial Foods

Certain foods have antibacterial properties that help bolster the immune response. Research has found that the following may have antibacterial properties that can resolve a sinus infection:

  • Vegetables, including cabbage, cauliflower, garlic, leafy greens, onions, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, kohlrabi, turnips, carrots, parsnips, horseradish and rutabaga
  • Fruits, including citrus fruits, apples, grapes, plums, and strawberries
  • Herbs and spices, like oregano, cinnamon, clove, rosemary, parsley, and mustard
  • Grains like barley and sorghum

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OTC Medications

Nasal decongestant sprays like Afrin are frequently used to ease congestion caused by a sinus infection. They work by reducing the swelling of the blood vessels in your nose, which helps to open airway passages. While effective, the sprays can cause rebound congestion if overused.

Oral decongestants like Sudafed (pseudoephedrine) work the same but deliver medication throughout the body rather than locally. Sudafed can cause numerous side effects, particularly if overused, including headaches, nausea, dry mouth, jitteriness, and insomnia.

Other OTC drugs sometimes used to treat sinusitis include:

  • Antihistamines, like Benadryl (diphenhydramine) to ease stuffiness and help you sleep
  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like Advil (ibuprofen) or Aleve (naproxen) to ease inflammation along with sinus pain and headache.

All drugs cause side effects so be sure to read the product label or speak with your pharmacist. Use OTC medication only as prescribed.

Do You Need Antibiotics?

Antibiotics are usually not needed or helpful since most sinus infections are caused by viruses, and antibiotics only kill bacteria.

Even if the cause is bacterial, mild cases may resolve on their own without treatment. If symptoms improve after two or three days, treatment is likely unnecessary; if they do not, a short course of antibiotics may be prescribed that need to be taken to completion to avoid antibiotic resistance.

Summary

Sinus infections often resolve on their own with self-care strategies. These include getting plenty of rest and fluids; using nasal irrigation, steam inhalation, aromatherapy, or a warm compress; eating a healthy diet; and using OTC medications to help manage symptoms.

10 Best Home Remedies for a Sinus Infection (2024)

FAQs

What is the strongest natural antibiotic for sinus infection? ›

Take oil of oregano: This essential oil has natural antibacterial and antifungal properties that can help fight off sinus infections. Place a few drops under your tongue twice daily or add oregano oil to a bowl of recently boiled water to enhance your steam inhalation treatment.

How do you knock out a sinus infection fast? ›

These steps can help relieve sinusitis symptoms:
  1. Rest. Rest helps the body fight infection and speed recovery.
  2. Drink fluids. Keep drinking plenty of fluids.
  3. Use a warm compress. A warm compress on the nose and forehead might help lessen pressure in the sinuses.
  4. Keep sinuses moist. ...
  5. Rinse the inside of the nose.
Aug 29, 2023

Can I beat a sinus infection on my own? ›

This may give you the idea that you need antibiotics, but most clear up without them. Antibiotics have no effect on viruses and aren't recommended within the first week of developing a cold. About 70% of sinus infections go away within two weeks without antibiotics.

What is a good recipe for a sinus infection? ›

Ginger and Turmeric: These spices have many anti-inflammatory properties that help open up congested nasal passages. The best ways to enjoy ginger and turmeric are by adding them to hot lemon water or by creating a refreshing tea from them.

What is the strongest antibiotic for a sinus infection? ›

Best Antibiotics for Sinusitis

Amoxicillin (Amoxil) or amoxicillin clavulanate (Augmentin) are typically the first recommendations for people not allergic to penicillin. Amoxicillin is a penicillin-like antibiotic used to treat all kinds of infections, including chest, ear, and sinus infections.

What is the number 1 medicine for sinus infection? ›

What are the best antibiotics for a sinus infection? If your primary care provider thinks antibiotics are needed for your sinus infection, they are likely to start with amoxicillin for up to 10 days. It's the best choice for most people because it is effective and tends to be more affordable.

How do you tell if a sinus infection is viral or bacterial? ›

Viruses, like the ones that cause the common cold, cause most cases of sinusitis. Bacteria can cause sinusitis, or they can infect you after a case of viral sinusitis. If you have a runny nose, stuffy nose and facial pain that don't go away after ten days, you might have bacterial sinusitis.

What to drink for sinus drainage? ›

Water or juice will help dilute mucous secretions and promote drainage. Avoid beverages that contain caffeine or alcohol, as they can be dehydrating. Drinking alcohol can also worsen the swelling of the lining of the sinuses and nose.

What foods help clear sinuses? ›

If you're feeling pressure in your sinuses, try getting more of these seven foods and drinks.
  • Water. When you have a sinus infection, your body needs hydrating liquids to help thin your mucus, so it flows more easily out of your sinuses. ...
  • Hot liquids. ...
  • Tea. ...
  • Honey. ...
  • Citrus fruits. ...
  • Seafood. ...
  • Pineapple.
Mar 15, 2023

What not to drink with a sinus infection? ›

You need plenty of fluids, but steer clear of cocktails, wine, and beer.

What tea gets rid of sinus infections? ›

Drink Ginger Tea

Along with helping you hydrate and steam out your sinuses, hot ginger tea contains the anti-inflammatory gingerol. This compound reduces inflammation in your mucus membranes, making this the best tea for sinus infection relief.

Which fruit is best for sinuses? ›

Furthermore, they protect the mucus membrane. Bright colored vegetables and fruits such as berries, kiwi, pumpkin, papaya, sweet potatoes, and pineapple are all rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Pineapple also contains enzymes that break down the buildup on the sinuses and reduces inflammation.

How does apple cider vinegar get rid of a sinus infection? ›

Apple cider vinegar has antibacterial and antifungal properties and is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin E, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, calcium, and magnesium which aids in treating sinus infection. It works by loosening up the mucous and clearing nasal passages.

Can you get rid of bacterial sinus infection without antibiotics? ›

Whether sinusitis is caused by bacteria or by a virus, most people get better even if they don't take antibiotics. Home treatment for sinusitis can help relieve your symptoms. Here are some things you can do: Use saline (saltwater) nasal washes to help keep your nasal passages open and to wash out mucus and allergens.

What kills fungus in the sinuses? ›

Surgical debridement is by far the mainstay of treatment for most forms of fungal sinusitis. It is, at times, followed by systemic antifungal therapy to prevent the recurrence of infection. Most patients require multiple surgical therapies to obtain long-term relief for invasive disease.

What vitamins to take for sinus infection? ›

Vitamin C supports your immune system and can help you fight off your sinus infection faster. Vitamin C can also help reduce inflammation, which can ease congestion. Oranges are naturally rich in vitamin C, or you can take vitamin C supplements which come in a variety of forms from powders to capsules.

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